June 21, 2011

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 14

Hate to use such a cliche introduction, but it was, in fact a wild week in MLS. First, the whole diabolical involving Thierry Henry, causing him to be ejected and suspended for New York's marquee match vs. Seattle Sounders. Next, there was the evident flop of D.C. United's Charlie Davies when being "tackled" by Real Salt Lake's Chris Wingert. And to sum things up, the Midnight Riders, the agglomeration of New England Revolution supporters have a bitter, perhaps nasty rivalry with no other than the Revolution Front Office. Teams flew up and down the Power Rankings this week, where only United remained in the same position as last week.

1. LOS ANGELES GALAXY

Last Week: 3Result: W 3-1 @ COLLast Five: W-W-T-T-W

The Galaxy have had some bewildering inconsistency. They have not been losing, but they have drawn matches they should have easily won; yet, they are winning matches that looked to have “draw” written all over them. Still, such form could help the Galaxy once their summer schedule gets messy with the addition of CONCACAF Champions League and the U.S. Open Cup.

2. FC DALLAS

Last Week: 5Result: W 2-1 @ CHVLast Five: W-T-W-L-W

Well, the MLSSoccer.com editors were right. It looks as if the face plant 1-4 loss at home to Sporting Kansas City was a fluke. Especially following an impressive road win at a recent revitalized Chivas USA.

3. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

Last Week: 6Result: W 1-0 @ TORLast Five: L-W-T-T-W

In the battle of the flagship franchises (in terms of attendance), the Sounders came up with a shorthanded goal that emphasized the weakness of the Toronto FC defense. The firecracker shot resulted in Frei having a mild case of the concrete shoes.

4. REAL SALT LAKE

Last Week: 2Result: T 1-1 vs. DCLast Five: L-W-L-T-T

RSL fans, and especially Chris Wingert have every right to complain about Davies’ sheer flop in the penalty box. However, there’s no excuses for allowing the evidently weaker United side from dominating ball possession. Also, looking back through the highlight reel, had Pontius had a bit of better luck, we’d be pressing the panic button in Salt Lake City.

5. NEW YORK RED BULLS

Last Week: 7Result: T 3-3 @ PORLast Five: T-T-T-W-T

When Thierry Henry is called up as an MLS All-Star, there will not be any subjectivity to the decision. His goal really ignited the late rally in the vibrant Jeld-Wen, and earned...another point. Still, with Henry what's taken away is the red card for "patting" Portland's Adam Moffatt on the head. Not good for the ratings game when the Red Bulls entertain the Sounders and their 35,000 strong. Additionally, I’ll be curious to see if Austin de Luz continues to earn starts once Dane Richards returns.

6. PHILADELPHIA UNION

Last Week: 4Result: L 0-1 @ VANLast Five: W-W-T-T-L

The Union miss out on a pivotal opportunity to secure first place in the Eastern Conference over New York, as well as a chance to climb into the top three of the overall table. Against a victory-starved Vancouver, it might have been to their disadvantage. Still, it’s too early to determine if it’s the sign of a mid-season swoon for the Zolos.

7. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

Last Week: 1Result: L 0-1 @ SKCLast Five: W-T-W-W-L

Fresh on a five-match unbeaten streak, the ‘Quakes were stopped cold in the confines of Liverstrong Sporting Park, thanks to an early first half header via C.J. Sapong. Curious to see how they rebound from this setback.

8. D.C. UNITED

Last Week: 8Result: T 1-1 @ RSLLast Five: T-W-T-L-T

United supporters have to be disheartened following Charlie Davies’ sheer flop, which led to the United earning a crucial road point, in a hostile Rio Tinto. Still, it was no like United was out-hustled nor outclassed by Salt Lake. In fact, during this ugly, aggressive match, United seemed to create more chances, and for Chris Pontius, just had some misfortunes thanks to the crossbar.

9. COLUMBUS CREW

Last Week: 14Result: W 2-0 @ HOULast Five: L-L-T-L-W

As Mendoza lit up the scoreboard, the Warzycha-led Crew seem to be having the best “rebuilding season”, as their impressive 2-0 road win make them four point clear of United for third place in the East, who have played one fewer match than the Crew themselves. Additionally, the Crew move on the doorstep of the Union and Red Bulls, and might actually dethrone one of the two Eastern heavyweights.

10. COLORADO RAPIDS

Last Week: 9Result: L 1-3 vs. LALast Five: L-T-T-W-L

Even though the MLS Cup tells who’s the Major League Soccer champion, the MLS Supporters’ Shield tells who is the best Major League Soccer team. The Galaxy’s dismantling the Rapids in DSG Park really highlights this belief. Even if Folan remained in the match, which he should of, I doubt it would have salvaged any type of point for the Rapids.

11. SPORTING KANSAS CITY

Last Week: 13Result: W 1-0 vs. SJLast Five: L-T-T-W-W

With a large home stand awaiting Sporting Kansas City, the Wizards might just propel themselves back into the race for the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Sapong’s goal emphasizes how this team is a threat of scoring from any player on the pitch. First they’ll need to climb out of the gunk that’s Toronto, Chicago and New England.

12. CHICAGO FIRE

Last Week: 12Result: T 1-1 @ NELast Five: L-T-T-W-T

For the negative attention I give the Fire, there form has not been so bad. Unbeaten in their last four, it includes a road victory in Columbus and a draw in New England. However, with only two wins and nine ties, I can only give them so much credit in the Power Rankings.

13. CHIVAS USA

Last Week: 10Result: L 1-2 vs. FCDLast Five: T-W-L-T-L

At the tail end of the match the Goats had some bad luck literally bounce their way.

14. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

Last Week: 16Result: W 1-0 vs. PHILast Five: L-T-L-T-W

It had been 13 matches, but the long wait is over. The Whitecaps finally have their second win of the season. And against the Union, an opponent with a strong record and form, can only ignite the MLS newcomers with more confidence.

15. HOUSTON DYNAMO

Last Week: 11Result: L 0-2 vs. CLBLast Five: L-T-L-W-L

The steamy weather conditions play to no advantage for the Dynamo, as they were outright punctured by the Crew. Doubt this will be a huge setback, but it wrecked a solid opportunity to move within breathing room of the Union and Red Bulls.

16. PORTLAND TIMBERS

Last Week: 15Result: T 3-3 vs. NYLast Five: W-L-L-L-T

Next thing for the Timbers’ MLS maiden year agenda: Finish games.

17. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

Last Week: 18Result: T 1-1 vs. CHILast Five: L-L-L-L-T

In a showdown of two of the weakest Eastern Conference clubs, that were once the class of the East, the Revs only managed to muster a point. It’s looking like they will consecutively miss the postseason for the first time in club history.